"Someone tried to kidnap the Prince?!" Matthew cried out as he and the others landed in Parlor Town after their patrol had wrapped up. After he and Annette had been drawn into Chris's first patrol back from his lengthy honeymoon, he had expected something to go down, as his cousin was known for making Pokémon League patrols relatively exciting. But upon learning from Chris that someone had tried to kidnap Michael and Julia's son secondhand from Giselle, he was flabbergasted that someone would try to do something like this in peace times. He hoped there was more to hear about the story as he climbed down from the back of his Noivern and then prepared to assist his girlfriend. Once both were on the ground, they gave Chris their full and undivided attention.

"You can never be too careful" Chris told his younger cousin. "If I've learned anything from my time with Mike and Cameron, it's that so long as there are shadows to hide in, evil will still linger."

"Thank goodness Giselle was there to stop the kidnapper" Annette replied nervously. "I'd be so sad for the King and Queen if their son was abducted."

The veteran Elite Four leader stretched himself as he climbed off the back of his Charizard. "Fortunately, thanks to Giselle and Michael, things were brought to a speedy and sufficient conclusion. But that is an important lesson for you kids to grasp. Just because Mewtwo and Claude and all those other losers are gone, it doesn't mean that evil itself is gone for good. It can always come from anywhere and anyone."

Matthew looked away nervously, his doubts about his abilities to do right continuing to linger despite assurances from Jocelyn and Annette. "I'll be ready to fight it."

"Oh, I don't doubt that, Matty" his cousin replied. "It's important to be ready for whatever the world flings at us."

Annette stood close to Matthew's side. "I'm not experienced at fighting evil like you guys are, but I'll do my best too."

"Fighting evil used to not be a Champion's issue" Chris recalled. "I don't remember all these power-hungry psychopaths running amok when our grandfather was Champion. Now, we get to have fun." He poured some water out of a bottle in his bag and quickly cleaned his face with it. "But with time, Miss Fiveroux, I'm sure you'll be as good at fighting bad guys as we were." He looked around town and sighed contently to himself. "Though I'm in no rush to change these peaceful times out for more chaotic ones. I haven't seen Parlor Town this peaceful in years."

"You never told us if you and Piper would be moving here or not" Annette recalled.

Chris shrugged. "I wish I knew. Every day, the missus wants something else. A home in Parlor Town, one in Alchemiburg, one in Titanio, frankly I'm just content we're settled in at her penthouse apartment in Taghwan. Otherwise she'd be driving me up the walls." He glanced over to Matthew. "I hope Annette is a little more tame when you two marry."

Matthew saw Annette's face glow the same color as her hair and laughed. "Don't worry, Chris. I've got years to get used to it if she does."

"That you do. It's good to have someone keeping you down to earth at a young age. If I had that, I wouldn't have womanized as much as I did. Then again, when I was your age, Piper was about nine or so. So I guess I just had to wait a while for mine." He then reached into his pocket and pulled out his Poké Gear. "Speaking of her ladyship, I should take this. You guys go on home. Day's over." Chris then turned around and began to sweet talk his pregnant wife.

Matthew and Annette took the time to let him be, with Matthew recalling his Noivern and leading his girlfriend back to his home near the edge of town. Once they were out of earshot of Chris, Matthew knew he needed to vent to Annette. "I don't know what I would have done if I saw someone trying to hurt James."

"I know you would have done your duty and fought to protect him" she assured him. "The same you would do if someone else was in danger, be it your mother or Jocelyn. You don't have to look very far into your past to find a good guy." She rested her head on his shoulder as they walked. "That's part of the reason why I like you so much, Matty. You're good now. And that's what truly matters."

"How is it so easy for you guys to see it and not for me to feel it?"

"Is what that Sartori guy said still bothering you?"

He nodded. "Why wouldn't it be? I try to move past this as much as I can and yet...no matter what the past is still there to tail me."

"I know you" Annette promised him. "You're not some bad guy waiting to spring up from a thousand years of slumber. I'd like to say you're completely free of darkness, but we all know no one ever is. But the one thing I do know, above all else, is that you aren't the monster you think you are. And if the darkness does start to crawl back up inside you, you're strong enough to suppress it. I mean, you stopped yourself from killing Hunter, right? The man who murdered your father and brother? You also didn't let Mewtwo or Courtney lure you back to their side. And above all else, at least in my eyes, you took a Shadow Ball for me. So even if there's a bit of evil in there, like there is in everyone I know, then we can fight to make sure it doesn't consume you." She leaned up and pecked his cheek.

Matthew looked to Annette and feigned a smile. "Yeah. I know you believe in me. Everyone does. Everyone but me."

Annette sighed. "I guess we'll find out if something bad does happen. We'll have to be ready to fight it, wherever it comes from."

Matthew's attention was drawn to his home, where a Corviknight Cab was parked. Realizing this meant his mother was going off on yet another date, he brought Annette with him to the gates of their home and skidded to a stop. A man waited on the porch, his back to the two young trainers. Something about him seemed familiar enough, but he couldn't tell immediately who he was. Once he and Annette had made it past the Corviknight who tended to her feathers gently, he made a loud coughing noise to draw the man's attention.

"Ahem" he coughed out.

The man spun around and gasped. "Oh. Matthew. It's been a while. Hope all is well."

"Officer Benson?" Matthew inquired. Suddenly, he remembered. ...I took a wound during the battle and your cousin Lady Jenna and your mother Lady Alison both nursed me back to health...your whole family have done Arcana a great service in protecting us from Mewtwo and the Syndicate. And Lady Alison has also been very helpful in her own way...

"Yes. I'm glad you remember, son. And Miss Fiveroux, our new Champion." He bowed politely to Annette.

Annette giggled and bowed right back to him. "Hello, Officer. I hope you're doing well, yourself."

Matthew noticed the suit the Arcana Police Force officer was wearing, the cologne he was doused in and the bouquet of flowers in his arm. And despite being older than Matthew and clearly more experienced at life, he was a bundle of nerves when he'd been discovered. Matthew remained stone-faced. All of the running around his mother had been doing to conceal her new boyfriend had clearly been for nothing. He never had an issue with his mother dating after his father died. In fact, he wanted her to. He didn't want his mother to be too reliant on raising her children and lamenting what was lost. And if there was ever a man who was worthy of dating his mother, surely a police officer had to be high on that list, yes? Especially one who had helped repel Mewtwo and his Clones.

"I hope you're taking Mom someplace fancy tonight" Matthew remarked.

Once Matthew had spoken, the nerves Officer Benson had clearly been rattled by seemed to calm down. "Oh...uh yes. As a matter of fact, I am. She asked about a special restaurant that just sprung up in Taghwan City and I got reservations for us." He glanced behind him as Alison came out onto the porch, anxiously awaiting something. "Oh, Alison. I've got a surprise."

"I'm sorry, Richard" Alison apologized. "But if my son doesn't..." Alison then looked behind her date and shrieked. "Where have you been, Matthew?! You should have been back an hour ago!"

"Sorry, Lady Kingston" Annette begged. "We got a bit busy with our patrol."

"Blame Chris if anything, Mom" Matthew joked.

Alison sighed. "I swear every man in my life has always been a workaholic. I was hoping you'd be different, Matthew." She glanced worriedly towards Richard. "I hope we're not too late for those reservations. I'd feel awful if-"

"We've still got about 30 minutes" her date assured her.

Alison nodded. "Okay. Matty, I fed your sister already. So you'll just have to make sure she takes her bath and goes to bed on time. Annette can stay over if she wants, but I want you two in separate rooms, got it?" Without waiting for an answer, Alison kissed her son's cheek several times while patting Annette's head. Once she was done, Alison and Richard quickly made for the Corviknight Cab.

"Officer Benson, sir" Matthew called over to his mother's date. "Can I ask you something?"

Alison looked worriedly to her date, while Richard Benson politely calmed her. "It's alright. I can cover the extra speed fees." He then walked over to Matthew. "Something on your mind, son?"

"You know about the people who tried to kidnap the Prince today, right?"

Richard's face darkened. "I do. I was expecting Lieutenant Madeline to want them drawn and quartered, but the castle guards threw one of them out into a river and the other one is being detained in Kingston Castle. If you're worried about James, I can assure you that-"

"It's not about him" Matthew replied. "I know Michael can keep him safe. But I have a feeling something's wrong in Arcana. And I want to be know my Mom is looked after. I almost lost my mind when she was kidnapped by Claude before. I don't think I can go through that again."

Richard nodded. "Rest assured, Matthew. As a police officer trained by your uncle, Chief Byron himself, I learned that an officer can never truly be off duty until he retires. I have my eyes everywhere and my senses tuned. Your mother could not be in safer hands tonight, son."

Matthew smiled at this. "Good. Then I hope you two have a great night." Richard and Alison soon departed into the Corviknight Cab, leaving Matthew and Annette alone once more. But this did not last for long as Kayleigh pushed the door open and hurried over to her brother. Matthew scooped her into his arms. "So, little missy. It's just the three of us tonight. How about we get you situated with a movie and some cookies, little lady."

"YAY!" Kayleigh cheered. "Matty and Net Net sleepovah!"

Annette giggled. "Well at least she's happy to see me."

Matthew paused. "Hold on." He looked inquisitively at his sister. "Did you eat all your veggies tonight?"

She nodded. "Uh huh."

Matthew's eyes narrowed. "All of them carrots and green beans?"

"Yup!"

"Are you just telling me everything I want to hear so you can get cookies?"

"Uh huh!"

He laughed. "Alright, go inside and pick a movie to watch. Net Net and I have to plan out what we're doing for dinner." He then patted his sister's rear playfully as she scurried off inside. He looked towards Annette. "I was thinking Pizza tonight. What about you?"

Annette smiled warmly and hugged Matthew. "Aw, Matt. I know the darkness will never overtake you, no matter how much you worry."

"Why's that?"

"Your four biggest cheerleaders. Me, your mom, Jocelyn and Kayleigh. So long as you have us, you've got nothing to worry about." The couple then went inside, arm in arm, to enjoy their evening of babysitting, dining and (at least both secretly hoped) some canoodling.

{}

"How have they still not picked up?" Morgan scowled as she again failed to reach Addison via a call. She and Tommy had departed from the Segin Squad's base not too long after Tommy had triumphed over Giacomo and begun his part of Operation Starfall with a bang. Ever since, she'd been trying to find out where Addison and Cole had gone to hide, but now had no way of reaching them. Every time she would dial out to her friend, all she would get was a message claiming Addison's phone was out of a serviceable area. Even the Cyclizars she and Tommy were riding on seemed to have sensed her frustrations and were beginning to look out for the duo anywhere they could find them. "How is there places with no cell service in this year? Seriously!"

"Maybe they're trying to keep a low profile" Tommy suggested. "I mean, there's some crazy old lady after Cole, remember?"

"And we'd be able to help if we knew where they were" she lamented. "But now we're going to have to hope that nothing bad happens. I mean, I know Addison is basically psychic at this point, but this is still a new place for us."

Tommy eyed her curiously. "Are you jealous that the two of them went off together?"

Morgan glared at her traveling partner. "What gave you that idea?"

"We know Addy is capable of looking after Cole" he reminded her. "We know what she's been up against. I don't think some slimy, wannabe psychic like this Fateen chick can outthink her. So the only reason you have to be worried is if you're jealous of them." Morgan was about to retort angrily, but Tommy kept going. "Which you have no reason to be. You remember why Addy's here, right? To find the Island where she can find Ryan?"

Morgan exhaled an almost bottomless well of anger she'd been conjuring. "I...I almost forgot."

"I get that you like Cole and want to help him and all, but the only truly safe place for him to be is with her, Morgan. Honestly, even though we're both gonna help Cole stop these crazy people trying to destroy the world, we're more or less just help for them at this point. Until we get stronger or better suited, we may as well be cheerleaders for the two of them."

She sighed in defeat. "I guess you're right, Tommy. Even though I don't want to admit it."

"You really ought to let go of your jealousy, like me!" he boasted. "You don't see me getting all huffy about Addison spending all that time with a boy."

Morgan giggled at this. "Yeah, well, Cole and I at least have a chance to be together. You shot your shot with Addy and she said no. Now you should focus on Nemona...or Penny. Personally, I think Penny's more suited to you. A loud, rambunctious and sometimes obnoxious boy needs a quiet, reserved and patient girl. But if you can't get your mind off of that eye candy of yours in the Class President, I'd get it."

Tommy shrugged. "But before I can even make a decision about one or the other, I still need to know things. Things about relationships I don't know."

Morgan's eyebrow rose at this. "Like what?"

Tommy brought his Cyclizar to a slow walk and Morgan did the same, the two now standing on the olive fields above Cortondo. "I haven't known a relationship in my life where they didn't end up together in the end. My parents, Addy's parents, Matt and Ryan's. They all got together and lived together...at least until Robert Kingston died. The King and Professor Julia, Chris and Piper, my sister and Jeremy, Ryan and Addy. Everyone gets their one and lives happily ever after. I'm afraid I won't. If I make a mistake or something, I may lost it all and be alone."

"Being alone isn't the worst thing" she suggested. "That way, you can focus on making yourself a better and more likable person. That's what I'm trying."

He looked at her. "Why did you and Ethan break up?"

Morgan got flustered at this. "I...I don't think this is something we should talk about, Tommy. It's kinda personal."

"Please?" the boy asked. It wasn't in his usual whining and childish way, which caught her off guard. If anything, the boy was being sincere and genuinely acting like a thirteen-year-old ought to act.

The young maiden sighed. "Okay. I'll tell you. But you need to keep it between us. I don't want Addy or anyone else playing matchmaker. Heaven knows my sister's been trying to find some cute guy in Kalos for me." She took a deep breath. "My first real crush was Ryan. I'm sure you know that, though. We met at the Queen's Ball when Lady Bonnie was hosting it. I was so shy around him and when Jasmine and Matthew hit it off, I was hoping I could do the same with Ryan. But he was only ever just polite with me. It didn't take long for me to realize he had his eyes for another girl. And Addison was better than me in so many ways. More confident, more studious, more beautiful. I would have slid back to being a wallflower completely if my sister wasn't so enamored with Matt. So I danced with other boys at the ball to not be such a downer. Matthew, Jeremy, Eric and Ritchie. Until I met Ethan, though, it felt like all of them were just doing so out of obligation."

"Was he there?"

She nodded. "Yup. All young trainers wanted to be there so that a Queen of Arcana contestant could give them their endorsement. And Ethan was no stranger to that. We met and danced, but little came from it immediately. The more we bumped into each other, however, the more things changed. Ethan was sweet and kind. I was nervous about being with him, because I was afraid I would be trying to force him to be more like Ryan. And by that time, Ryan was rising to the top as one of the League's best contenders. I would have had Addison and your sister to compete with for his affection and knew I couldn't win either. He'd grown up with Holly and Addy. I was just some girl he met at a dance. So Ethan and I began to slowly date. I think we were both put off by how quickly Jasmine and Matt had gotten together. Now, of course, we know exactly what was going on there. After Matt was outed for being a Syndicate Agent, Ethan and my relationship changed. I wanted to help out the Kingstons in their fight with the Syndicate while also comforting Jasmine over how much losing Matt had hurt her."

"But Matt's not that guy anymore."

"Matt's betrayal didn't just change Jasmine. It changed Ethan and I as well. I was now more protective of my sister. But Ethan's changes began to worry me. He was slowly becoming something I didn't like. He went from being an up-and-coming star in the Pokémon League to hanging out with people like Simon Seissuon."

"That jerk Matt decked at Titanio Park?"

She nodded. "Ethan and him were friends. Both went to the same Academy in Unova to learn how to be better Pokémon Trainers. Blueberry Academy, I think it's called. I think Ethan still goes there. But the more Simon and he hung out, the more he began to act like him. He went from being kind and optimistic, to cold and mean. He only stopped Simon from acting like he did that night at Titanio Park because he knew making a scene in public was bad. But when we got back home that night, he told me that Matthew deserved to be punished for what he'd done, on top of thinking that Simon was right about the Kingstons being corrupt and power hungry."

"Who would think that loser was right about anything?"

"He did. And he didn't like it at all when the King banished Simon and his parents for what they did in Charizark Town. He claimed Addison and Matthew instigated it and insisted Simon was innocent. I was hurt. What happened to the boy I knew and cared about? I approached the only two people I could about this: my sister and Countess Rosemary. My sister told me that these were flags she wished she'd ignored in Matthew and ones she immediately saw in Simon when we all went out together. And Countess Rosemary claimed that my happiness could only be given by someone who genuinely wanted me to be happy. Ethan just didn't seem like my happiness was a priority to him. I mentioned this to him and he accused me of being too "warped" by the Countess and Addison. He said other mean things about us and that I was 'just another Kingston puppet' with no freedom. He even implied my sister was a street worker for 'leading Simon on'."

Tommy looked disgusted. "What a jerk!"

"I don't think he expected me to dump him then and there, but I did" she went on. "You can say what you want about me. But you don't get to say anything about Jasmine. Once I did tell him we were done, he kept insisting we were just on break and he would talk to me when I was 'less moody'. He then spammed me with calls for weeks on end, but I just blocked and ignored him. He went back to Blueberry Academy before we left for Paldea."

"Why say you two were on a break if he's become that big of a jerk?"

Morgan sighed. "That's where it gets complicated, Tommy. Love isn't something you can just turn on and off like a switch. A part of me will forever loathe what Ethan became, but another part of me wants to believe it was just a phase. That the boy I knew deep down will come back. Which is why I told everyone we were just on a break. I meant to keep it at that..." Her face turned a bright shade of pink and a smile appeared on her face. "...that is, until I met Cole. Cole may be the answer to what I've been looking for in a guy. Sweet, kind and always thinking about others before himself. He's got so much of Ryan in him, Addy claims she can sometimes see parts of him in Cole. It's a bit why I can be nervous that Addy might fall for him."

"Well, I don't think you have to worry about the two of them" Tommy repeated. "Besides, didn't he mention something about a girl named Paige?"

Morgan's mood dampened at this. "Oh...right. Her."

"Well, once you know for sure about Paige, then you'll get your answer about Cole, right?"

She remained pessimistic. If Addison wasn't directly in the way of her crush on Cole, then it was this Paige girl he'd mentioned. Why was someone always keen to stop her from being happy? She thought for a moment about how to get Cole to notice her, before she realized that of all the people to have given her this advice, it was a thirteen-year-old boy who'd never even had a girlfriend. She turned to Tommy and smiled. "Thanks, Tommy. It's good to know you're growing up so well."

"I try" he replied boastfully. "Let's head back to town."

Morgan nodded. "Sure. We'll see if you can challenge the Gym Leader to please Nemona."

"But I thought we were-"

"Until you know for sure which girl you like more" she suggested, "you should be trying to do your best for both warming up to Penny by taking part in Operation Starfall, since we know she's involved, as well as trying to please Nemona by competing in the Pokémon League. It's important to keep on your toes in the game of love, Tommy."

He shrugged. "Okay. I guess I can take a crack at it." The two reared their Cyclizars back and their dragon mounts darted towards the large gym at the heart of the city. Morgan spied a familiar face waiting for them and made a playful look at Tommy before they had even made it in front of Katy's Gym. She brought her Cyclizar to a halt first, allowing Tommy to skid to his own stop only a few feet from where Nemona stood.

"I was wondering when you'd get here" Nemona replied happily.

"Nemona?" Tommy asked as he dismounted his ride.

"Did you help your friend?" she asked curiously.

Tommy nodded. "I did, but I still need to help them some more."

"I get that. Friends need to help their friends, you know. Which is why I'm glad you came back to Cortondo. It's time you helped me out a bit."

"What do you need from me?"

"I want you to compete with me, Tommy. Didn't we agree to that? And what better place to start than here at Cortondo's Gym?"

Morgan was surprised Tommy wasn't as gung ho. "You did want to compete in the Gyms, right Tommy?"

"I do, but-"

"Then it's settled" Nemona declared. "We've got to get you signed up inside." Tommy barely had time to collect himself after climbing down his Cyclizar before Nemona grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the Gym. "Come on. This way." Tommy made a worried glance back towards Morgan, only for Nemona to look back herself. "You can wait for Tommy over by the Battle Arena above Katy's Bakery, Morgan. If you're interested that is."

"Just promise to return my friend in one piece" Morgan teased.

Tommy looked petrified at the idea of not being unharmed, but Nemona laughed at this. "I promise. Let's go, Tommy! Before the Gym closes for the night." She yanked on Tommy's hand with both of hers until the two disappeared behind the doors of the Gym.

Morgan smiled contently. Go get 'em, Lover Boy. She made to listen to Nemona's advice and find a good spot to watch Tommy's upcoming Gym Battle, but was caught off guard by a sudden call from her Poké Gear. She initially thought it was Addison finally getting back to her, but was a bit more nervous when she saw the call was coming from the Academy. She picked up the call with a bit of tenseness in her voice. "Hello?"

"Miss Augustine?" an authoritative yet strangely calm voice called from the other side.

Morgan went pale. "La Primera?!"

"I think you understand why I'm contacting you? You and Miss Tenton were involved in a bit of a skirmish in the Academy Library with two fellow students. Miss Jovi and Miss Angie, correct?"

"Ye-yes, but you see-"

"Angie and Jovi are both currently in Nurse Miriam's office, recovering from the damage done by your Misdreavus's Perish Song. You do understand that Pokémon Battles on school grounds are illegal, yes? And that using Pokémon moves on your fellow students is also very illegal?"

"You don't understand. Angie and Jovi were trying to kidnap-"

"I understand you have your side of the story" Geeta explained on the call. "Which is why we would like you to explain your side of things. Return to the Academy at once so that you can explain what went on from your perspective. These are very serious charges. Miss Augustine."

"Should I bring Addison and Cole with me?" she inquired.

"No need. We will meet with them tomorrow morning. But we would like to discuss this with you tonight. Come to the Schoolyard before sunset. Be sure to inform your chaperone, Miss Fouritz, of what is going on so that she may join if necessary. We will speak later." With that, Geeta ended the call. Morgan looked to her Poké Gear then to the Gym where Tommy was signing up for his showdown. Her thoughts of what kind of punishment she could expect for what had unfolded earlier spun around in her head.

I think we're in trouble, Morgan told herself. Though she hoped to bounce this off of Addison, she suspected that she was still out of cellular service and thus would not know of what was to come until it was a surprise. Nevertheless, she collected her nerves, typed out a message to Amanda stating what was going on and sent it, before turning her Cyclizar to go back into the Arbok Pit of Mesagoza...alone.

{}

Despite having triumphed over the Rock Titan outside of Artazon, Lizzie was about as close to understanding Miraidon as she had been when she first came across him on the beach beneath the Poco Lighthouse. He had gained a bit of speed after devouring the sandwich packed with nutrients and Herba Mystica that Arven had constructed, but the wall between them in a communicative perspective remained. He would occasionally look back at her while she rode on his back and bark playfully, but that was the end of it. No deeper lines of thought, no hyperactivity like she had with her Umbreon, just plain silence.

She stroked her Dragon's long neck and smiled. "Don't you worry, Miraidon. I'll get you back to full power before you know it. Or...you know...whenever we hear from Arven about the next Titan." Miraidon seemed to understand her, but only barked back at her before trying to eye up the next location he could fill his gluttonous stomach at.

She looked onto her Poké Gear for any updates on the rest of the Arcanans in Paldea, hoping the others were having as good of a time as she was. As she did, however, she noticed that their own journeys had been very bizarre to say the very least. Addison had gone off on her own and her last known location was Alfornada, with Lizzie able to deduce that she had gone into a low cellular area like a Cavern or something nearby. Tommy was currently in Cortondo, likely challenging the Gym Leader there. Morgan was headed back to Mesagoza, perhaps after going on a bit of her own beginning journey around the city? Billy and Amanda were currently getting Ice Cream in Levincia, with Billy apparently having sustained an injury or two given the bruise on his face in the picture they had shared online. Justin had a very popular video of Bridgette and the Cascarrafa Gym Leader performing with their Pokémon. And now he and Bridgette were at some fancy restaurant in the city.

She clenched her jaw at this but accepted it all the same. There was no sense in being rude to Bridgette when she herself had blown off Justin to go off on her quest with Arven. Let them have their fun, so long as Justin knew which of them to trust more.

"Well, with everyone else so busy, I guess that means you and I get to go do some real exploring around Paldea" she told her Pokémon. "What's say we go off and see what's the west of Mesagoza? It is in my name, after all." Once her Pokémon gave her an affirmatory growl, she sent him forward. Her Miraidon rushed with a tremendous speed through the canyons outside of Mesagoza's gates, blazing past Shinx and Rookidees along the way. Lizzie didn't care about any chaos she caused as long as Miraidon was enjoying itself. So what if a few berry trees got knocked over or if her Miraidon caused a Slakoth to fall out of a tree it was sleeping in. It didn't matter to her. Getting out and enjoying herself was what mattered.

She would have kept going, had her Poké Gear not started buzzing randomly. She brought Miraidon to a halt, expecting it was Michael asking for an update on things in the region. She was shocked when, of all people, it was her friend she had only fairly recently parted ways with calling her. She was concerned something had come up with Arven, and thus, answered his call.

"Everything okay, Arven?"

"Actually, I'm not sure" he admitted. "Remember that Titan we were planning on heading for next?"

"The one with the falling rocks?" Lizzie inquired. "Yeah, I remember. Why?"

"Well as you know, I've been trying to keep my eyes open for all of the Titans to see when they may let their guards down so we can strike. So, I was hoping to see an opportunity for the Titan to maybe not be throwing chunks of the mountain down on us. But from what I've seen, it's not even there."

Lizzie was confused. "Did it move to another location?"

"No. It's just completely vanished."

"How does a Titan just vanish?'

"It may have gone back into its cave to grab more Herba Mystica like that Klawf did. But surely it would have come out of the cave by now, right? I think the thing just flew the coop. If it's not there, then I think we have to take this chance and go for the Herba Mystica before it comes back. Whaddya say?"

"I'm game. Did you get all the supplies you need?"

"I'm about to stop at the Deli to pick up some last-minute necessities. I'll meet you on the mountain pass just beyond Cortondo. Don't keep me waiting!" With that, Arven ended the call.

Lizzie reached down and stroked the neck of Miraidon once more. "You up for one more run uphill?" When her Pokémon growled in delight, Lizzie laughed. "See? We're starting to get one another. Let's head for that next Herba Mystica cave!"

{}

Tommy was already winded from his battles at the Team Star Base and the Gym Trainers that were scattered across the Gym Leader Katy's pre-challenge warm up, which entailed moving massive olives around in the field to get ready for the harvest. But thanks to Nemona basically high jacking his first Gym Battle in the Paldean Pokémon League, she wasn't even giving him the opportunity to rest his weary Pokémon. The moment he made it out of the olive fields, she descended upon him and peppered him with questions about how pumped he was to battle Katy and get closer to becoming rivals. He was so tired in fact, that he couldn't even find the strength to argue with her.

It didn't help that the sun was beginning to set on this first day of his Treasure Hunt. He'd been worn out almost completely by the days activities, yet he was being compelled to keep going by his...kinda sorta girlfriend who wasn't actually his girlfriend.

"So what's your answer?" she pleaded. "You ready to show Katy what for?"

Tommy, who barely had the energy to stand up on his own, let alone combat another Gym Leader or chastise Nemona for being too energetic for her own good, simply nodded. "Whatever you say, baby. I can take a thousand Katys." He made to punch the air before he fell over onto the ground. Nemona laughed as she knelt down to Tommy's side. "Like I said. A million Katys...plus five more."

"Glad to hear" she replied. "You're gonna be the last challenger before she closes up shop for the day." She grabbed his arm and hauled him up to his feet. "Can't have you napping on the job now, Tommy. Come on!" She tugged his hand along to get over towards the Gym Arena, which happened to be right above Katy's Bakery. "I told Morgan to wait here for your challenge. I'm sure you could use a cheerleader or something."

"You're not gonna watch me?" he asked in confusion.

"Why would I?"

"To support me?! I thought that's why you were dragging me around and stuff?!"

Nemona shook her head. "I can't watch you. If I do, that would mean I get to see how you battle personally. When you and I battle, I want to be blown away by some of your Arcanan strategies." Once the two had made it to the top of the bakery, a small crowd of onlookers had gathered to see the final battle of the day. But to both young trainer's confusion, Morgan was not there. "Hm. Maybe she figured you didn't need her support?"

This worried Tommy. "No. Something might be going on." He plucked his Poké Gear from his pocket and checked it for any unread messages from Morgan. But there was nothing there. No calls, either. With all of the things Morgan had told him about the kind of enemies they would be up against if they were to help Cole, he now worried that something might have happened to her. He turned to rush down the stairs he had just climbed, but Nemona held him back.

"Where are you going? I'm sure Morgan's just-"

"You don't understand!" he insisted. "I have to-"

"Tommy! Katy is waiting for you!"

"My friends might need me!" Tommy angrily thought to tell Nemona off, but the arrival of the Gym Leader herself prompted everyone to start cheering wildly. He managed to wriggle out of her grip and glanced worriedly back towards the outskirts of Cortondo. Morgan had gone AWOL and neither Cole nor Addison had been heard from since this morning. He had more things to worry about than fighting a Gym Leader, not to mention how exhausted he was. He feared for his friend's safety, but knew he could do little given how wiped he was. He glanced back towards Nemona, but she was gone. Apparently, she meant what she said about not being able to watch him.

He frowned to himself. "Maybe I should just forfeit."

"That's a lousy way to start a Gym Challenge" a voice chimed in from nearby.

Tommy glanced around for the source of the voice, only for his reflexes to barely catch a peculiar can being tossed his way. He looked at it curiously and saw it was a high caffeine energy drink. He was surprised to see the person who had thrown it his way. "Penny?!"

His roommate had appeared once more, this time outside of their joint involvement in Operation Starfall and this time at Katy's Bakery here in Cortondo. She had her own drink on her as she eyed him with a soft smile. "You can't just give up yet. You've got friends to help. And you can't do that while you look like a Komala. Take one of these. I use them when I game with my friends."

"Thanks, Penny" he replied in relief. He opened up the can and drank the content. The high sugar and caffeine beverage rushed down his throat and gave him a sudden jolt of energy. "Wow! I think I've got this."

"Of course you do" she replied. "Those things can keep someone like me up for twelve hours at a time if I drink two of them." She looked away for a moment but returned a gentle grin. "You should only need one of those for this. Then you can sleep to your heart's content at night. Well, I'm back to the Academy. Good luck, Tommy." She turned to leave.

Tommy was more puzzled now than ever. "You...you're not gonna watch?!"

She glanced back and politely shook her head. "No dice. I'm a Mystery Dungeon Master after all. I have to plan out the next stage of the RPG for my friends. But I figured you could use some kindness from the shadows of our Dorm Room." Without another word, Penny sauntered her way down the steps and back into the streets of Cortondo.

Revitalized thanks to his roommate's charity, Tommy turned to face Katy. Having spent many weeks training under Jeremy back home, he had learned who many of the "first" Gym Leaders were throughout the world. Viola in Kalos, Milo in Galar, Roark in Sinnoh and many others. He was expecting someone who was either physically, mentally or emotionally intimidating of an opponent based on what he had learned. He recalled Addison and Holly discussing Ryan and Matthew's first Gym Battle with Victoria in Craft Terrace, where despite being considered a "flower", she had enough power to punch out any trainer who thought too highly of himself.

Katy, however, was nothing like Tommy expected her to be. She was...for lack of a better term...a baker. She wore the apron and hat expected of one, had the physique of a grandmother who baked way too many chocolate chip cookies and a welcoming smile that made Tommy think more of a mom than a Gym Leader. Nevertheless, he remained determined not to underestimate any opponent he came up against. So as Katy made her way towards the main arena in the center of the roof of her bakery, Tommy did his best to face her down with respect and a fierce desire to get his first Paldean Gym Badge.

His opponent took a moment to feed one of her baked goods to her Vivillion that fluttered around her playfully. Once she took the treat from her trainer, the Pokémon chirped towards Tommy, which drew Katy's attention to him.

"Oh, what a lovely Trainer you are" she spoke, her voice even reminding Tommy of his mother's. "I watched you during your Olive Rolling. It was quite skillful. And I fully expect a bountiful olive harvest thanks to your efforts." She folded her hands and looked to the boy with a sweet smile. "My name is Katy. And I am not only the Gym Leader of Cortondo, but also the owner and chief proprietor of Patisserie Soapberry. I specialize in Bug Pokémon as well as baking. Both are little sweets that bring you nothing but happiness, but if you underestimate them, you can find yourself knocked off your feet by flavor or power." Her Vivillion spun around in front of her, spreading an initial wave of spores and powder around the field as Katy described herself. "And who would you be, young man?"

Tommy nodded. "Tommy. Tommy Queensbury."

Katy gasped. "Ah, one of the exchange students from Arcana. Then I look forward to being the appetizer for the rest of your Gym Challenge."

"Let's get this started!" Despite knowing in the back of his head that he should go after Morgan and figure out what happened to her, he knew he may not get another chance to battle a Gym Leader. He reached onto his belt for the first Pokémon to challenge Katy's team. Bugs were fairly strong when used in the correct hands, but also had some fairly potent weaknesses. Most notably Pokémon that are Rock, Fire or Flying Types. And he had a few Fire Types on his team to use. Considering he'd used his Donphan to dismantle Giacomo and the Segin Squad, now was as good a time as any to have his newer Paldean additions prove themselves on his team. "Go! Fuecoco!"

From out of his first Poké Ball appeared his "first" Pokémon: little Fuecoco, who was busy munching on a berry before being called out. Once seeing he was geared for a battle, though, he casually tossed the remnants to the side and growled accordingly at the Vivillion, who shined in the moonlight as if gearing for this battle.

"I suppose we should begin" Katy suggested. "Vivillion, use Stun Spore!"

"Fuecoco! Dodge it and use Ember!"

His Pokémon, thanks to all of the training he'd done with Nemona, managed to very easily dodge the cloud of spores that would have ordinarily paralyzed him before spitting out a small fire ball at the Vivillion. However, the Gym Trainer's ace quickly flew out of the way and batted Fuecoco aside with a powerful gust attack. The Fuecoco recovered, but it was clear these opening blows were just the beginning of a long and rough match.

"Keep the winds flowing, Vivillion! Gust!"

Katy's Bug Pokémon began to flap wildly once more, prompting Tommy's Fuecoco to try and dig his heels in to prevent him from being lifted into the air. However, despite his determination, this did not last long as the little Fire Croc was carried into the air before being rudely dropped in front of Tommy. He quickly shook off his daze before turning towards the Bug Pokémon that had now twice knocked him about twice. He bared his teeth at the Vivillion before this time taking firm aim and spitting out a fireball at the Vivillion.

"Hurry and dodge, my little one!" Katy cheered on.

But cheers could do little when the fiery attack hit precisely as it should have. And to make matters worse, the Fuecoco's Ember did more than just hurt the Vivillion upon making contact. Not only did it knock the Flying Bug out of the air, but it also left a burn. The combined damage from the attack and the burn had caused a great deal of damage to Katy's Bug Pokémon. Not enough for Tommy to relish in his victory, but enough to ensure the Vivillion's time in this match would be greatly reduced.

"Fuecoco!" Tommy called. "Do it again!" His Pokémon more than happily spat out another fire ball, but this time Katy's Bug Pokémon managed to evade it, countering with a successful Stun Spore, paralyzing Tommy's first Pokémon. He frowned as his Fuecoco suffered the pain of the Paralysis. "Why did you eat that Cheri Berry I gave you to hold before all this, you glutton?"

"Now we can begin properly" Katy called to her Vivillion. "Use another Gust, please."

"Fuecoco!"

Tommy's fire croc was tossed into the air by the winds that Katy's Pokémon commanded, before harshly slamming him into the ground. Tommy's Fuecoco was frazzled and exhausted, with no more strength left to fight, but so too was his enemy. In all of the strength it took to withstand that Ember, Katy's Vivillion had certainly taken damage from the burns and succumbed to the pain, resulting in a double elimination on both of them.

Tommy recalled his Pokémon as Katy did the same. "We need to hit her with everything we've got now." With a quick glance over the rest of his team, he pondered his next move. He knew his Donphan could more than easily take out whatever Pokémon that his opponent sent out, but knew he wouldn't be much of a trainer if he relied too heavily on his older Pokémon. He chose instead one of the newer ones he'd caught while on expeditions with Nemona: a Numel. Upon casually tossing out his second Pokémon, the volcanic camel looking around the area before letting out a low moan, the hump on its' back radiating with the power of fire.

Katy, in turn, glanced up at him with the same cheery disposition she'd had earlier. "I see you're quite the talented little trainer. It seems I must bring out my secret weapon to defeat you." She reached onto her belt for her second and final Pokémon. Tommy was expecting any number of the bug types he'd seen that live in Paldea. Masquerain, Scyther, even a Lokix would be a problem to face. But to his surprise and initial amusement, Katy's next Pokémon was no Bug Type at all. But a Teddiursa. The tiny little cub waddled out of the Poké Ball and eyed Tommy curiously before smiling at him.

"A...Teddiursa?" he asked.

Katy seemed to pay little attention to his confusion. "Now, my little Pokémon. Time to break out of your cocoon and come into your own!"

Tommy was shocked when from out of her pocket, the Gym Leader pulled out a Tera Orb, something even Tommy had yet to be given. The dense, black orb started to glow curiously before she fairly threw it into the air. Almost like a firework, the Orb seemed to explode, showering the Teddiursa in light. From out of its head sprouted what appeared to be crystallized antennae. Despite this, it remained the same cheery and optimistic Teddiursa he'd been before the transformation.

"Feast your eyes on my shining bug decoration!" she proclaimed. "And it comes with extra punch as well! Fury Cutter!"

The Teddiursa rushed forward and slammed its claws hard into Tommy's Numel. It fell backwards, though the blow didn't do as much damage as Tommy had initially thought. However, given how much he'd studied under Jeremy and here in Paldea, he knew he could not take this lying down. Fury Cutter only grew stronger the more she used it. Soon, even this small little guy could overwhelm even Tommy's best Pokémon. But Tommy had not come all this way just to lose his first ever Gym Battle. And his Numel seemed slightly agitated by the amount of pain he'd taken from this Teddiursa's attack.

"Numel!" Tommy called. His Pokémon glanced backwards and gave him a dopey smile, prompting Tommy to know his Pokémon had his back. "Use Incinerate!"

The Numel turned around and spat a large ball of fire in the direction of the Teddiursa. Not only did it scorch Katy's ace Pokémon, but it also rendered the Oran Berry he'd been holding inedible. Not that it would have mattered in the long run, because thanks to the sheer power of Tommy's Numel, the Teddiursa rolled onto its back, let out a bark of pain and then fainted, the jewel atop its head shattering into pieces in the process.

Katy did not seem surprised by this turn of events and simply shook her head in acceptance. "All of my sweet little Pokémon dropped like flies."

Tommy leaped into the air, his fist punching as high as he could. "WOO HOO! I did it!" The crowd surrounding him cheered, though it was a bit lighter than he'd initially hoped. He glanced around for any signs of his friends, be it Nemona, Penny, Morgan or even Addison. But there was no one he recognized apart from a few kids he shared classes with. Though a bit saddened by this, his mood quickly improved when his Numel looked back at him and smiled, letting out a soft yet cheerful growl.

"Your strength rose in battle like a nice loaf of bread in the oven" Katy recalled, calling back her exhausted Teddiursa. It was so interesting to see, that I might need to work on my own strength as well." She reached into her pocket for something to give to her opponent. She walked to the center of the Arena, with Tommy rising to meet her. "I do congratulate you, Tommy, on your impressive victory. As proof of such a feat, I present to you your very first Gym Badge in Paldea: the Bug Badge."

Tommy took the badge and inspected it. It was a simple silver badge with a jade insect-like Pokémon in the center of the ring. Though a part of him had expected something more grandiose from his first Gym Badge, realizing he'd never in fact wielded one in his hands before this, he held it tightly in his clenched fist and nodded to himself. Look out, Jeremy...Annette. There'll soon be a new Pokémon League Challenger.

"On top of a Gym Badge, I'd also like you to have this TM. It's for the move Lunge. Teach it to a Bug Pokemon or anyone capable of learning it." Tommy took the small tutoring machine from the Gym Leader, who seemed just as giddy over his victory as he was. "And as a final treat, allow me to treat you to a special dessert from my bakery. I have some cookies ready to go. Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter Fudge?"

Tommy's mouth already seemed to be watering at the idea of having some sort of high sugar, high caloric treats. "Uh...Chocolate Chip, please. And can I have a glass of Moo Moo Milk?"

She giggled, gesturing for Tommy to follow her. "But of course. Come along."

{}

Deep within the confines of her secret base hidden beneath Uva Academy, Natalya remained in the thick and distinguished disguise of Miss Fateen, prepared to lure more unsuspecting trainers into her clutches. Things had been going surprisingly smooth, despite the failure to acquire Cole's Tera Crystal. That would continue to gnaw away at her mental health so long as the boy continued to elude her, but there was little she could do against this famed White Mage he'd managed to corral into helping him.

The little runt loves to latch onto more powerful people just to be a pest, she told herself. Turo, Sada, Paige and now Addison Tenton. Hmph. It won't matter for much longer, though. There won't be a place he can hide from me before long. Not even she who destroyed Mewtwo will be able to protect him.

Aside from Cole's escapades, things were going exactly as she had planned. She had managed to snare certain people within the Academy under the same mental influence that she'd placed Jovi and Angie into. She had her allies all placed precisely where they needed to be, poised to strike at a moment's notice. Not just in Paldea either. Simon, with the help of the Tri Drago, was also set to spring his own trap back in Arcana. Her chance at getting her ultimate dreams and chance at revenge would come. She simply needed to be patient. She could ill afford for mistakes to fall at her feet. Too much was riding on this.

A part of her wanted to ensure things were running smoothly in Area Zero, but Brick had assured her that things were quiet. Paige was being an obedient little captive and there were no signs of any interference from Turo and Sada's end. Deep down, she hoped that both had finally died from the blows she'd inflicted, but those two had survived things far worse than the power of a Tera Crystal. She could only hope that they were at the very least incapable of operating the Time Machine thanks to her turning on of the machine.

Though she had succeeded in the future, unleashing more of the Futuristic and Prehistoric Pokémon upon the Paldea she had come to live in, things could not be said of this time. The machine was shut down for what seemed to be ages and power could only be turned on by someone with a certain Tera Crystal and a few passwords. More security put in by Turo and Sada, no doubt. Which was why she was so keen on getting Cole's crystal. Not only to keep him trapped in the past, but to see if his and Paige's were indeed the ones needed to turn the machine on.

I thought Paige would be the one to give me trouble, she recalled. But I removed her from the game quickly enough. Now, it's her little boyfriend I have to worry about. With the White Mage in tow, I can imagine he's going to be a thorn in my side for the remainder of my plans. She grinned a truly wicked grin to her. How I'd love to wring that girl's scrawny little neck, but I need her alive. Especially if the Tri Drago and Simon both fail in their plans. It never hurts to have an insurance policy, after all.

"Mistress Natalya!" a deeply entranced voice called to her. She glanced behind her and saw the shadow of one of her mind slaves coming up to her. Her most recent ensnarement, but most certainly not the last.

"What is it?" she demanded.

"Miss Augustine is returning to the city" her slave reported. "Shall I go and bring her to you?"

Natalya thought for a moment. "No. Angie and Jovi can take care of her. Besides, I need you at the Pokémon League, my dear. We cannot play our hand too early. Not with potential snoops lurking about."

The woman who'd been enslaved simply bowed. "I shall do as you command, Mistress."

"Before you do, however, I will not allow you any opportunity to break from my command. Go into the city and stop the scheduled battle with Amanda Fouritz. And be sure to remind Billy Kingston of his duties as an ambassador for Arcana. He'll have a lot to report to his dear King before the night is over. Go and fulfill your duties...La Primera."

Geeta bowed, her body movements robotic and not of her own volition. "I live to serve thee, My Mistress." She then rose and departed from the room.

Natalya snickered to herself. "All too easy."